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Heat Related Illness In Dogs-Heat Stroke

Quick Bite: Now that the soaring temperatures of summer are here, I thought that it would be a good time to review heat related illness in dogs. Unfortunately, I see numerous cases of heat related illness that are preventable with some common sense safety tips. We will review breeds that are more susceptible to heat (such as bulldogs, boxers, and pugs), situations to avoid regardless of breed (such as long periods of exercise during the hottest parts of the day), and what you can do if your pet experiences heat related illness (including what you can do at home before you go to your veterinarian). Please do not take heat related illness of your pet lightly: do not make this often life threatening mistake.

•Florida’s summers are hot and unforgiving. They are also a time when children are out of school and the family pet is more involved in daily activities, many of which occur outside in the heat. Heat stroke may result from prolonged exposure to high temperatures and may be accompanied by dehydration, shock, or in severe cases, death. All cases of heat stroke are 100% preventable. It is up to you to prevent your pet from being in a situation where heat stroke may occur.

•Certain breeds, including bulldogs and pugs, are considered brachycephalic. These breeds have a harder time dissipating heat (by panting) due to abnormal bone structure involving the upper respiratory tract and sometimes abnormalities in the soft tissue of the lower respiratory tract. Therefore, brachycephalic dogs should not be exercised or even left outside for an extended period of time during the heat of the day.

•Some of the following recommendations may seem obvious, but they are useful pieces of information during the hot summer months. Do not leave your animal in a vehicle without air conditioning for any amount of time. Do not leave your animal without an unlimited supply of fresh water for any amount of time in the heat. Do monitor your animal for signs of weakness, collapse, or disorientation while out playing in hot weather.

•If you suspect heat related illness in your pet there are generally two steps to take. The first is to immerse your animal in cool, but not cold, water immediately. Excessively cold water may lead to signs of shock. The second step is to go to your veterinarian immediately. The patient is treated based on his or her temperature, whether or not signs of shock exist, and level of dehydration. Sometimes outpatient treatment is acceptable, but your animal may need to be hospitalized and treated for damaged internal organs. If blood is not circulated for an extended period of time (which may occur during periods of shock and/or elevated temperature), the heart, brain, and kidneys may all be affected.

•As a veterinarian, I always hate to see animals die from preventable disease. Most of the situations described above can be avoided by using common sense. Be extremely careful if your dog is out during the hottest part of any summer day. Heat related illness can come on quickly and treatment may be expensive, or worst of all, unsuccessful. However, please go directly to your veterinarian if you think that your pet may be experiencing heat related illness. It may be a life saving decision.

Jason Palm, DVM

Hiawassee Veterinary Clinic
6525 Old Winter Garden Road
Orlando, FL 32835
(407) 299-3969

http://www.orlandodogparks.com/index.php

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Posted 10:08 PM June 16, 2008

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